2019 NFL Draft Tennessee Titans instant grade: Amani Hooker

The first draft pick made by the Tennessee Titans without a need.

It is always easy to like picks when you can see an easy path for them to get on the football field early, but the Tennessee Titans don’t always pick like that.

GM Jon Robinson made his first pick of Day 3 and with it he took Amani Hooker safety, Iowa.

This wasn’t surprising because Hooker came in for an official visit with the Titans and it seemed like there was real interest there. However, just because there was mutual interest doesn’t mean it was a good pick.

Let’s get into this quick grade.

What is he?

Hooker lined up at a lot of different positions and that versatility is great, but let’s focus on what he will be at the next level. Going in, I think his best chance to get on the field is to line up as a 3rd LB in heavy nickel looks.

He is very athletic and you can trust him to take running backs out of the backfield or tight ends in man coverage. As a run defender, he finds running backs quickly and isn’t afraid to stick his nose in the fan.

Thor Nystrom had the best comparison when he said he was similar to Kenny Vaccaro.

He has all the tools and experience to be a starter in the NFL sooner than later, but because of the Titans depth at safety he will probably be limited to a backup strong safety and a sub package and special teams player.

One last note, despite only returning one punt in college he was scheduled to be the punt returner if he returned to Iowa this year. He could have some value as a return man to the Titans.

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What did the Titans pass on to get him?

With EDGE being the only need left on the board when the Titans took Hooker, the only players that I thought might have made sense was maybe Joe Jackson who they had in for a visit? Only one player ranked in the same tier at that point and it was Blake Cashman.

Instant draft grade Amani Hooker: “A-“

The pick didn’t fill a need, but the guy they took in the 5th round (D’Andre Walker) is a guy that I think they would have taken with the 4th round pick if Hooker wasn’t there. With that in mind, what does it really matter if it wasn’t a need?

Robinson moved up to take the best player left on his board and it ultimately cost him nothing. My only problem with the pick is that maybe if he was willing to make a move up he could have possibly tried to get up 10 picks higher and land Maxx Crosby or Anthony Nelson.

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